Applications seeking information under the RTI Act, 2005 may be sent along with the prescribed fee through e-IPO* (Electronic Indian Postal Order) OR in US Dollars, equivalent to Indian Rs.10/- in cash/cheque or demand draft favouring Embassy of India, Harare. [The rate of exchange for a particular month may be ascertained from the Embassy].

*Facility of e-IPO for payment of fee under the RTI Act, 2OO5

The Department of Personnel and Training and Department of Posts have launched a service called e-lPO (Electronic lndian Postal Order) to enable lndian Citizens residing in lndia or abroad to purchase an lndian Postal Order electronically by paying fee on-line through e-Post Office Portal i.e.http://www.epostoffice.gov.in. to enable them to seek information under the RTI Act, 2005. It can also be accessed through lndia Post Website, i.e. www.indiapost.gov.in. An e-lPO so generated must be used only once with an RTI application.

The User needs to get himself/herself registered at the website. He/she has to choose the Ministry/Department from whom he/she desires to seek the information under the RTI Act and the e-IPO so generated can be used to seek information from that Ministry/Department only. A printout of the e-IPO is required to be attached with the RTI application. If the RTI application is being filed electronically, e-IPO is required to be attached as an attachment. For more details please visit the websitehttp : //www. epostoffice.gov.in.

This facility is only for purchasing an Indian Postal Order electronically. All the requirements for filing an RTI application as well as other provisions regarding eligibility, time limit, exemptions, etc. will continue to apply.

INFORMATION ABOUT THE EMBASSY, REQUIRED UNDER SECTION 4(1)(B) OF THE RTI ACT, 2005

(i)

The particulars of its organization, functions and duties

Embassy of India is headed by Ambassador. There is one Second Secretary who assists the Ambassador in carrying out the functions of the Embassy which include political cooperation, trade and investment promotion, cultural interaction, press and media liaison, contact with think tanks and Universities, servicing of various GOI programmes such as ITEC and Know India Programmes, etc. The Embassy functions within the purview of business allocated to the Ministry of External Affairs under the Government of India’s Allocation of Business Rules and Transaction of Business Rules.

(ii)

The powers and duties of its officers and employees

General Administrative powers are derived from IFS (PLCA) Rules, as amended from time to time. Financial powers of the Officers of the Embassy of India have been detailed in the Delegated Financial powers of the Government of India’s Representatives Abroad. Other powers are derived from the Passport Act of India. The Officers of the Embassy function under the guidance and supervision of Ambassador.

(iii)

The procedure followed in the decision making process, including channels of supervision and accountability

Decisions are taken under the instruction and supervision of the Ambassador

(iv)

The norms set by it for the discharge of its functions

Norms are set as per general GOI guidelines and practices.

(v)

The rules, regulations, instructions, manuals and records, held by it or under its control or used by its employees for discharging its functions

IFS PLCA rules and annexures. Delegated Financial Powers of Government of India’s Representatives abroad Rules Passport Act Manuals on Office Procedures Other Central Government Rules and manuals published by Central Government

(vi)

A statement of the categories of documents that are held by it or under its control

The particulars of any arrangement that exists for consultation with, or representation by, the members of the public in relation to the formulation of its policy or implementation thereof

Embassy of India functions within the norms of India’s foreign policy formulated by the Ministry of External Affairs. Policy is implemented by the Embassy under the guidance and supervision of the Ambassador. India is a democratic country and overall policy is formulated through robust mechanisms and institutions. Embassy interacts regularly with representatives of think tanks, academic community and others.

(viii)

A statement of the boards, councils, committees and other bodies consisting of two or more persons constituted as its part or for the purpose of its advice, and as to whether meetings of those boards, councils, committees and other bodies are open to the public, or the minutes of such meetings are accessible for public

Embassy interacts regularly with representatives of thank tanks, academic community and others.

(ix)

A directory of its officers and employees

Directory of the officers and employees of the Mission is given at Annexure-I

(x)

The monthly remuneration received by each of its officers and employees, including the system of compensation as provided in its regulations

Such other information as may be prescribed and thereafter update these publications every year

The Embassy’s website has information which is updated on a regular basis

NEW PROVISION UNDER RTI ACT 2005 FOR INDIAN CITIZENS ABROAD

Extending the facility of e-IPO for payment of RTI fee in Indian Missions by Indian Citizen abroad

All Indian citizens living abroad are now empowered to file Right to Information (RTI) application under Right to Information Act 2005 by making the payment of fee online.

A service called e-IPO (Electronic Indian Postal Order) was launched w.e.f. 22.03.2013 to facilitate Indian Citizen’s abroad across the globe to purchase an e-IPO by paying the fee online to access the information under the RTI Act 2005 from the Central Public Authorities. Applicants can purchase electronic Indian Postal order (e-IPO) and attach print-out of the e-IPO along with their RTI applications. The objective of the e-IPO scheme is to facilitate all Indian citizens living abroad to have access to information from Indian public authorities.

An Indian Postal Order can be purchased electronically by paying a fee of Rs. 10/-(Indian Rupees ten only) on-line through e-Post Office Portal or through India Post website. The Credit card or Debit card powered by any Visa or Master card can be used for this purpose. The web links for the payments are www.indiapost.gov.in & https://www.epostoffice.gov.in.